[gameboy86]

Just wondering, why do they sell uncut keys for the BMW on ebay when you have to take it to the dealer anyway to get it cut and programmed to work for your car? Is it cheaper or does the dealer still charge you $300+ for the new key anyway?

tl;dr

Is there any benefit cost wise to buy keys off of ebay or is that a scam/pointless?

 

[maurer]

$300? for a key? I spent $200 at the dealer for a key. Stay away from ebay when it comes to your car. Unless its speakers or something of that nature. You'll thank me later.

 

[ChicagoRY]

Email Mike at BMW Part Store [email protected]

He'll tell you what you need to email him (VIN, registration, something like that) and by the end of the week you'll have a new key via FedEx. I couldn't find my receipt but it was within $10ish of $150. Couldn't be easier.

 

[gameboy86]

$300? for a key? I spent $200 at the dealer for a key. Stay away from ebay when it comes to your car. Unless its speakers or something of that nature. You'll thank me later.

Yeah I know, I browse ebay occasionally. Never bought anything off of there except small stuff like clips and that sort of thing. I was just curious about this.

 

[jasonbimmer]

Just wondering, why do they sell uncut keys for the BMW on ebay when you have to take it to the dealer anyway to get it cut and programmed to work for your car? Is it cheaper or does the dealer still charge you $300+ for the new key anyway?

tl;dr

Is there any benefit cost wise to buy keys off of ebay or is that a scam/pointless?

the ebay ones are just a shell. the idea is if your diamond key looks all damaged and scratched, you can carry the circuit board over and cut the key it would work.

 

[gameboy86]

the ebay ones are just a shell. the idea is if your diamond key looks all damaged and scratched, you can carry the circuit board over and cut the key it would work.

Makes sense.

 

[ChicagoRY]

Ya the cutting part is easy, it's the immobilizer chip, etc that's not. Not even dealers actually do it - they have to request the key from BMW NA in NJ. My FedEx key came straight from there.

I have no Ill will against china and hong kong as countries, I just would never buy anything from eBay from there.